Especially if they have something new to me and then what Victoria said except for Paypal - they always give me trouble. I read a lot of blogs and keep a file of teas on them that sound good from companies that treat you well.

I would keep returning if I got good service, good prices and they had unusual teas. It is also a big plus with me if they include a couple of samples so I can try something different. Just enough for 1 cup is fine

Everything Victoria said plus samples, samples, samples.If a vendor offers only xx oz bags of teas and doesn't sell samples I would not shop there.Also RSS with product updates and special offers would be very nice to have.

• A clear concept what they offer and why they are different from others.I would not buy anything from a generic looking tea shop.• Professional and well designed website. If your website looks like your neighbors son did it then why I would trust you with my credit card # ?

I would also add to all of the above... samples are wonderful. Low-cost sampler packages for organized tastings (as is recently being done by Lochan) is a great way to get some exposure on Facebook and to encourage customers to branch out into new areas of tea.

To repeat some of the other important factors...

-Easy to use, professional website with good security for online ordering-STRONG customer service presence-If something goes wrong, make it right, every time. Adagio already does this.-Coupons for return customers... reward points... etc. Very good for promoting return orders.-And of course, sell a quality product.

I agree with most of the things listed by others. A professional presentation is very important. Pictures are vital, at least of the dry leaves, but a picture of the brewed tea would also be very welcome. I'm not a big fan of paypal, but I do shy away from giving my credit card info to small online retailers--you never know. And yes, samples are ESSENTIAL.